JUSTgottaBELIEVE

Having Albies instead of Moncada on this team would simply hurt their 2019 draft position. Let’s compare the performance of those two in the 2020 season and beyond when wins/losses actually matter to this team. Until then, I just don’t see the point in getting all worked up and his performance this year is actually helping their 2018 tanking effort.

I wouldn't say it's a heist but it's a very solid return for Archer without a doubt. Makes me wonder what the WS could get for Rodon this offseason? I understand the durability concerns with Rodon but I think his value is very comparable to Archer's as we stand here on 8/15/18 and perhaps even surpasses Archer's value if he continues pitching well (and remains healthy) down the stretch this season. At this point, Rodon has far more upside than Archer, he's younger, he's cheaper, and his contract carries the same amount of team control. Yes, he's been less durable and has less of a track record but the ceiling is well above that of Archer at this point in their careers. Would Sox fans be happy with that Pirates package for Archer? I think I'd want guys in lower to mid levels of the minors opoosed to AAA/MLB guys like Glasnow and Meadows but otherwise I think I'd be quite happy with that return.

I like that comp. If he turned into prime Brian Roberts during the WS contention window, I'd be elated. That's a solid 3-5 WAR/year player.

Madrigal still with just 1 strikeout in now 95 MiLB plate appearances. Amazing.

Given his injury history and the fact that 2019 is another development year, I would certainly be open to an offer that includes a couple top (pitching) prospects and catching prospect this winter

The Indians won 94 games and were 1 win away from a ring in 2016. That starting rotation also consisted of 5 RH starters.

Why? The team with the second best starting rotation in baseball has 0 LH starters.

Not sure about that. If they are offered a couple of T100 guys and another interesting player or two, why not?

When the Sox trade Rodon to the Braves this winter, the only question is will Anderson, Allard, and Contreras be enough?

And yet no runs. The kid is learning how to pitch. Look out

At this rate, Sox are going to get a hell of a prospect package in return when they trade Rodon this winter.

No kidding and since JT is a free agent after the 2020 season it makes zero sense to unload a bunch of prospects for him from the WS perspective. JT also rates as one of the very worst pitch framers in the game. Hard pass unless they are still looking for a catcher after 2020 when he hits free agency. Who knows how much his defense will have regressed by then though as he heads into his age 30 season in 2021.

Welker is still in A+ ball. He might not be ready to assume Arenado’s vacancy in 2020. The Rockies could easily play Rodgers or Story at 3b as soon as next season. Hampson (their #4 prospect) looks like the replacement for DJ at 2b. I don’t see any reason why Welker would be untouchable from their perspective.

But couldn’t they just slide Story or Rodgers over there?

Avi and Abreu are great fits for the Rockies next year assuming they plan to make another run at the playoffs. Slide Desmond back to the LF to replace Parra, move Abreu to 1b, replace Gonzo with Avi in RF. Abreu and Avi’s combined 2019 salary will be a relatively small increase from what they are paying Parra and Gonzo this year. Abreu and Avi should return Welker++

Welker definitely seems like a guy to target. Rockies don't have much depth in the minors at OF and have two 30-somethings starting in the MLB OF that are likely to be free agents after this season.

Why is that? Can’t they be high on both Madrigal and India?

This guy is quietly putting together a monster season at the plate. If he can amount to a modified version of Carlos Santana (Indians version- less power but higher AVG and OBP), that would be fantastic. Teach him some first base and between two 1B, C, and DH, they could find plenty of opportunities for him on the next playoff contending team if the bat continues to play like this.

I think that’s a bit dramatic. Many big time prospects have been sent down within a year or two of their promotion to the bigs as a full time regular. It happens.

Why?

Barring a incredibly surprising playoff run next season, I’d be willing to bet both the manager and hitting coach are gone after next season (or sooner). In other words, there’s still hope...

Do we think the current WS hitting coach and manager will still be here beyond next season?

The twins still have a very good farm and are likely the WS biggest competition for the division title in 2021 imo.

I wonder how many people here would have predicted JD Martinez would amount to anything after he posted a cumulative OPS below .700 after his first 3 seasons with the Astros?

A trade centered around a Rodon-Whitley swap would be very enticing...